Disadvantages of Using Facebook for Business Needs

Facebook may have access to an enormous number of users, but that doesn't mean they are an appropriate target for your business. Advertisements on Facebook are often cited as nothing more than a distraction, with users more interested in socializing with friends than searching for commercial solutions. Facebook ads also have a poor reputation, especially considering the number of low-quality commercials that flood the site. Advertising works on a bidding system, making it harder for smaller businesses with limited funds to compete with larger corporations.

Facebook pages require a lot of maintenance -- whether that's interacting with users, deleting spam or removing false or malicious content. Negative or aggressive comments from other users could mistakenly be associated with your business or could drive your audience away through their offensiveness. Users could also flood your Facebook page with spam, reducing the effectiveness of your message and making your brand seem less professional.

Creating a group for your company seems like an ideal way to grow your business without having to spend a penny. But the reality is that outside of close friends and family, Facebook users are more likely to join groups that affect their home or social lives rather than those created for business purposes. Groups also offer limited control and no statistical feedback, making it difficult to find out whether you are making a connection with your target demographic. Even your subscribers have the option of hiding your updates, so you'll never know for certain who is viewing your content.

Although Facebook provides a large user base that you can potentially cultivate, you are still just another member of the Facebook community. Facebook is the master of its own domain and can change the rules at any time, either increasing the cost of advertising, tweaking its privacy policies or deleting your page without warning. A lack of control and customization can stifle your business, making it difficult to turn your followers into dedicated customers.